Obituary of Robert Reis, Jr

Robert "Bob" Reis, Jr. In Loving Memory 1938-2024 Surrounded by his loved ones, Bob passed away on December 7, 2024. You may have known him as a brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather (in every iteration of “great”), friend, or baseball coach. You may have worked for him, worked with him, or you might have just crossed paths and got to know him. Regardless, anyone that knew Bob absolutely loved him. He was genuine, loving, attentive, and good-humored. Bob was preceded in death by his parents (Bob and Lorraine), his brother (Randy), and his cat (Nomad). He is survived by his wife (Alice Simonson Reis), his brother (Tom), his children (Robin, Eric, Matt, Kim), his grandchildren (Heather, Aaron, Kristin, Finn), his great grandchildren (Sydney, Jayden), and his dog (Roger). Born on October 11, 1938, Bob grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1956, attending different high schools, he met the love of his life, Alice Simonson Reis, through school choir activities. Bob had a beautiful baritone voice and, recognizing his talent, his choir director often picked music featuring baritone solos so that everyone could appreciate his gift. Bob and Alice married in 1959 and spent 65 years together. Throughout the years, Bob played many roles. He was a beloved baseball coach for many players and teams, but most notably coached a Little League team called The Sputs (Sputniks). His players have expressed what a lasting impact he had on their lives. A kind and patient teacher, he passed on his wisdom and guidance. His open-mindedness and constant support allowed others to explore their own ideas and paths. He was a nurturer, cultivating the potential he saw in others while simultaneously showering his friends and family with unconditional love. While in Utah, he was the owner of a fast-food chain named Buddy’s, which had some of the best Mexican food in Salt Lake City. His humor, leadership, and gift of gab ensured he made lasting friendships with those that worked with him. He was always able to foster meaningful conversations with strangers or friends. An expert storyteller, he kept you enthralled with his quick wittedness, a trait that stuck with him all the way to the end. Bob’s favorite pastimes included hunting pheasants, fishing, and cheering on the Utah Jazz. His favorite place to be was on a lake or river with a fishing pole in hand. While there, his smile never left his face. He passed on the love for these pastimes to his kids. His love of dogs was also passed down to his entire family. His love of ice cream lives on too, especially in Roger. He raised a loving, kind-hearted family and was the source of constant love and laughter. Incredibly thoughtful and creative, Bob seized any opportunity to ensure his loved ones felt seen, heard, and celebrated. He also seized any opportunity to tell a joke. Per Bob’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of life will occur in the summer of 2025 at one of Bob’s favorite places.